RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary n-6: n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 pregnant women were prospectively included for detailed information on dietary intake at 16-18 weeks evaluated using a three-day food record, and subsequent GDM diagnosis at 24-28 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups for analysis: GDM group (n = 22) and control group (n = 78) based on oral glucose tolerance test results performed between 24 and 28 weeks. RESULTS: The average dietary n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio in the control group was 5.63 ± 2.12 and that in the GDM group was 8.35 ± 3.45, within a significant difference (p < .05). A significant difference was associated with a higher dietary n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio and GDM (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29, 95%confidence interval:1.303, 14.124). CONCLUSIONS: Higher dietary n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio was associated with higher odds of GDM. Given the small sample, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.